Cannabis law reform in Luxembourg: first observations after its change among recreational cannabis users and non-users

Background: In July 2023, the Government of Luxembourg legalised the domestic cultivation of cannabis under certain conditions and lightened the criminal procedures and penalties for cannabis use and possession in public. To date, there is a lack of insight about perceptions towards recreational use and cultivation of cannabis, or consumption habits of Luxembourg residents. The current study aims to fill this gap and enhance the understanding of the situation targeting recreational cannabis users and non-users.

Methods: Based on predefined selection criteria to reach a representative sample, Luxembourg residents who are member of the national “MyPanel” were invited in autumn 2023 to participate in an online anonymous survey. The survey assessed cannabis use and acquisition habits, psychosocial correlates towards cannabis use and homegrowing, and cannabis dependency. The data collection consisted of a main survey and a boost component targeting exclusively cannabis users. By integrating the two parts, 3115 residents participated in the study (31% response rate) of whom 507 were recreational cannabis users.

Results: Among respondents, 46% reported to have used cannabis during their lifetime, 14% during the past year, and 8% during the past month (weighted percentages). The majority of the past year and past month users were aged 25 to 34 (44%) and male (60%). Almost all users reported using herbal cannabis (90%) with a median frequency ranging between 5 days per month for past year users to once a day for past month users. Almost half (46%) of the past year users buy cannabis, while a large proportion (40%) obtain it for free. Among past month users, 33% indicated being aware about the THC level of their products, 37% usually consume products with high THC levels, and 35% have a strong dependency according to the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test. Most of the respondents (81.4%) were aware of the policy change. In total, 7% of the non-users indicated an increased likelihood to try cannabis, while 16% of the past year users tried cannabis for the first time and 5% increased their use since the law change. At the time the survey was conducted, 12% of the past year users were growing cannabis at home, while most of them (69%) started to do so after the law change and 31% indicated an increased likelihood to start growing. Seeds are mainly obtained from the internet (51%) or in a growshop (26%). The main perceived advantages for homegrowing are to avoid contact with the illegal market (59%), to obtain a product potentially less harmful than from other (illegal) sources (49%), and to spend less money (33%).

Conclusion: This study provides a first indication of the impact of the recently introduced drug-related policy changes in Luxembourg. The study results complement existing national and international data and provide new insight to identify priorities for future prevention and public health interventions.

Note: Submission prepared with CH and DE (Symposium)